Sights in Liechtenstein, Europe
See Vaduz Castle, Museums, Postage Stamps, the Rhine, and Alps
Apr 2, 2008
The Principality of Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest country in Europe but its tourism appeal far exceeds what would be expected from a nation of only 35,000 inhabitants. Apart from beautiful nature, Liechtenstein also has a number of very interesting cultural sights as well as endless opportunities for outdoor activities.
Liechtenstein is nestled between Austria and Switzerland. Most of the border with Switzerland is formed by the upper reaches of the Rhine River. The majority of towns – it has no less than eleven municipalities – are in the Rhine Valley. The rest of the country is mostly mountainous allowing for only a single road connection to neighboring Austria.
Vaduz – the Capital of Liechtenstein
Although at first appearances resembling a country village, Vaduz is the national capital of Liechtenstein. This pleasant town has an interesting blend of old and new architecture ranging from the twelfth century origins of the castle to the ultramodern black cube housing the art museum.
The top sight in Vaduz is Schloss Vaduz, the castle that towers from a rock over the old town of Vaduz and the Rhine Valley. It is the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein and completely off limits to visitors. It is best seen from the town with the Alps as backdrop although hiking through the hills for a close-up view is also very pleasant.
Museums in Vaduz
Liechtenstein has more than ten museums scattered through the country but the most interesting are in Städtle, the main street of the capital Vaduz:
- The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein (Art Museum) is housed in a large black square building resembling a quartz cube. The focus is on modern art from the nineteenth century to the present but temporary exhibitions of older works, especially from the collection of the Prince of Liechtenstein, are also hosted.
- The Liechtensteinisches Landesmuseum (Liechtenstein National Museum) is in a more traditional building and focuses on local culture and history. It has an eclectic collection of art as well as historical, cultural, and natural objects related to the principality.
- The Briefmarkenmuseum (Postage Stamp Museum) is part of the National Museum but housed in a room in the nearby Engländerbau (English Building). The museum exhibits not only stamps – for which Liechtenstein if famous in philately circles – but also other items related to the Liechtenstein postal service. Even in the age of email and sms sending postcards home from Liechtenstein to receive the stamp and post mark remains a major attraction.
- The Kunstraum Engländerbau (Art Space English Building) is a forum for visual arts – projects range from exhibitions to workshops and performances of modern art.
Outdoor Adventure in Liechtenstein
The altitude of Liechtenstein ranges from 430 m (1,410 ft) in the Rhine Valley to 2,599 m (8,527 ft) at Grauspitz mountain peak. Most of the country is in the Alps and opportunities for outdoor adventures abound in both summer and winter.
Popular summertime adventures include hiking, cycling (90 kilometers / 56 miles of marked trails), rock climbing, in-line skating, horse riding, and swimming. Liechtenstein’s most popular ski resort is Malbun with downhill skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, après ski, reasonable prices, and thin crowds major attractions.
- Transportation to Liechtenstein is easy by car or via the extensive railway systems of neighboring Austria and Switzerland. In Liechtenstein itself, an excellent public bus system is generally the best way to travel.
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